Mumbai: Cruise tourism is one of the most vibrant and fast-growing components of the leisure industry, said Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways here, while speaking at the firs Incredible India International Cruise Conference 2022 organised by the Mumbai Port Authority under the aegis of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways along with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi accords a huge priority to the cruise sector,” he said, adding that India will be a magnificent cruise destination, and with the participation of global players, “we will develop the sector and capture this growing market.”
Speaking to media persons, he announced the setting up of a high-level advisory committee – which would include international cruise lines as members - to assist the Apex Committee on Cruise Tourism to deliberate and anchor measures on boosting the cruise tourism sector, especially with an eye on increasing cruise calls at Indian ports, developing infrastructure, and improving the talent availability and jobs.
Sonowal said that to tackle the talent shortage in the sector, three dedicated cruise training academies will be set up in the states of Goa, Kerala and West Bengal. “The Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to generate more than two lakh new jobs,” he said.
The Minister virtually laid the foundation stone of Third Chemical Berth at Pir Pau, Mumbai. The berth will have a rated capacity of two million metric tonnes per annum and cater to very large gas carriers and tankers up to 72500 displacement tonnage. It will be equipped with the latest safety standards under OISD norms.
Speaking on occasion, Rajiv Jalota, Chairman, Mumbai Port Authority and Mormugao Port Authority, said that the current cruise ecosystem, including the infrastructure and policy environment, is fast changing and will match the international standards within a reasonable time. He invited international cruise lines to prioritize India in their expansion plans.
The Mumbai Port Authority is also celebrating its 150th anniversary during 2022-23. The authority would organise a series of 365 events, including water sports, cultural programmes, awareness camps, heritage walks, and marathon run to celebrate the momentous occasion. The Mumbai Port Authority is now aiming to transform from a cargo port into a tourism port.
Dr Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, said that Vision 2030 has an ambitious target. The Indian cruise tourism market has the potential to grow ten-times over the next decade given the rising disposable incomes. He also laid out new possibilities in the cruise tourism circuit. /BI/
